Thank God for the seasons!
Spring is the time of the year when things seem to wake from the cold winter and come alive. This Lord's day is so beautiful, how blessed we are here at the Cove. We meet again for a wonderful time of fellowship and to hear God's word.
Brother Randy Richardson opened with prayer for those who are sick and unable to be with us this morning. Our songs of worship included one of my favorites, "In the Garden." This song should give us the desire to spend time in the garden with Jesus. Our time alone with him is so precious.
Pastor Bob Cartwright prayed a special birthday blessing for three of our church family, Bro. Don Parish, Bro. James Taylor and Micah Burkholder. May God grant you a very happy birthday.
Our special songs were brought to us by Sister Joyce Walters, singing "Help is on the Way" and Bro. Daniel Cartwright blessed us with "Kneel at the Cross." When the service was turned over to Bro. Bob, he welcomed Janie White, her daughter, Maissa Cramer, and grandson, Zayne Wilson. Sister Jeanie Richardson was smiling as she was seated beside her granddaughter, Peyton Patterson. Sister Irene Martinez was also joined by visitors, Mr. and Mrs. Jose Flores. We are so glad to have these visitors and look forward to seeing them again real soon.
Pastor gave us the scripture, Titus, Chapter 3, Verses 1-9. He titled our message, "Faithful." This word has several meanings, which he then began to tell in one story after another. In Verse 1 we find that God has given us all a work to do. The word said be ready to do "every good work." We have a hard time being faithful to our labor if it makes us uncomfortable. We want to do those things that make us feel good. This is not God's plan.
For example, in Verse 2 he tells us to speak evil of no man. Many times we have a "get even attitude." This is not pleasing to our Lord. Without the love of Christ we cannot do the things he instructs us to do. The rest of the verse says we are to be gentle showing meekness unto all men. Notice he said all men. Not just those who bless us but those who rub us the wrong way.
Verse 3 says the faults we find in others may be ones we struggle with ourselves. By being a faithful servant we can overcome and obtain his mercy.
In Verse 8 he gives us a faithful saying, "They which have believed God and maintained good works will be profitable unto men." But in verse 9 we find that the foolish contentious are unprofitable to men, we must be careful not to boast of the things we do.
Proverbs, Chapter 20, Verse 6, says most men will proclaim to everyone that he is good, but a faithful man who can find we are challenged daily to be ready and faithful in service to whatever we are called to do.
In II Timothy, Chapter 4, Verse 6, it proclaims that Paul fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord shall give me on that day." Then he goes on to say, "Not just for me but for all who love His appearing." This promise should cause us to be ever faithful in all we do.
Luke, Chapter 18, Verse 1, tells us that men ought always to pray and not faint. Without prayer we will surely fail. We all have shortcomings but our Lord is there to help us turn those things around for good.
Pastor made a profound statement, he said, "One will never rise spiritually above the level that we ask God to take us." "We must pray for his direction, then follow with all faithfulness." The word tells us that we must wait upon our calling. In this instant world we live in, we have a hard time waiting.
In Acts, we hear the account of Jesus going away, but not before he sent us a comforter and told us he would return. He is coming for those who watch for his appearing. We are never alone. He is there with open arms any time we call on Him. Just as the prodigal son when he returned home, His father was there to welcome him with open arms. He left the home where he was well cared for, only to end up literally in a pig pen. He was not a faithful son. His father did not look at the past, he was just glad for his son's return. If we have strayed from God's presence, He will also forgive and forget where we came from. God will love us and take us to a place of peace.
In closing, Pastor Bob invited those who desire to live in that place of peace to come forward for prayer. Many stepped out and began to pray. You know it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God if we have not been faithful. You are responsible for your life and no one can take your place with our Father in Heaven.
We were dismissed in prayer by Bro. Jon Cartwright. He said we are dismissed from this place, but not from the presence of God. So go with God and we will hope to see you next Lord's day. Until then you are in our prayers at the Cove Mission of Hope. Have a great week.
General News on 03/26/2015